Fishing Code of Conduct
As Ethical Anglers:
1. We do not spill or dump
gasoline, oil, or other pollutants on land or into the water.
2. When fishing, we never leave trash behind, including worn or discarded line,
old hooks and bait.
3. We leave our fishing site as clean as or cleaner than we found it.
4. We report environmental damage and pollution to the relevant authorities.
5. When boating or anchoring, we take care to avoid damaging sensitive areas.
6. We do our best to prevent the spread of exotic plants and animals.
7. We never use as live bait fish that do not normally reside in the waters we
are fishing, nor do we introduce exotic species that may survive and reproduce
into fishing waters.
8. We use only legal tackle, attend to our gear, and value our catch.
9. We keep no more fish than needed for consumption and legally allowed, and we
never wastefully discard fish that are retained.
10. We practice conservation and use proper release methods for fish not
retained.
11. We use tackle and techniques that avoid the capture of, or minimize the harm
to, unwanted fish or fish prohibited from retention.
12. We learn and comply with all angling regulations.
13. We report any illegal fishing activities we observe to the proper
authorities.
14. We treat other anglers, boaters and other people we might meet in the field
with courtesy and respect.
15. We obtain permission from landowners and never trespass on private lands or
waters.
16. We respect the space of other anglers when fishing from the shore or boat
and give room to all anglers playing a fish.
17. We observe all operator and safety regulations.
18. We watch our speed and our wash, and keep a safe distance from shore-based anglers, jetties, and other boats.
19. We educate fellow anglers, especially new participants, about fishing
ethics.
20. We promote ethical behavior in the use of aquatic resources through
education and example.
21. We maintain and promote public awareness and understanding of the issues
surrounding responsible fishing.
22. We promote public awareness of the measures taken by anglers to conserve the
resources and protect the environment.